Many of us dream about owning the vacation home in the Mountains, or on the Lake or Ocean. A place where one can retreat periodically from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. However, for those who do achieve the financial resources to make such a purchase, there are several factors that should be considered first prior to taking the plunge.

Owning a Vacation Home can be a wonderful experience, but it is a huge commitment and responsibility. When one first thinks of owning a Vacation Home, we think of only the positives, such as a quiet remote location where we can get away from it all. A place where we can swim, fish, hike, and ski. Unfortunately for many, they forget about the other realities: location and travel time, upkeep and the associated costs, high property taxes, their children’s school and other home activities, guests. All of these put stress on the new Vacation Home owner, and how they prepare ahead of time to address these issues determines how enjoyable their new purchase will be.

The first item to consider when purchasing a Vacation Home is location. Is it near enough from your main home such that you can enjoy it regularly enough? If not, consider another investment. The last thing you want to do is make a huge investment in property that you can not regularly enjoy. Though real estate has always been considered a good investment it is not considered liquid, and expensive vacation homes can take a long time to sell.

Cost of upkeep and property taxes should also be heavily considered. Maintaining a vacation home is not cheap and the local town officials love to hit the vacation homes hard with property tax bills.

One also needs to consider his or her own weekend responsibilities and those of their children. Sports team events, clubs and organizations as well as maintaining the main house will eat into the time available to head to the weekend get-away. And if you have teenagers, they have their own dates and plans. Be prepared, more times than not, for having to forgo the weekend retreat for your children and other responsibilities.

One of the other aspects of owning a Vacation Home is having guests. This is a double edge sword. You want to have guests to share in your retreat. However, the upkeep, food and cooking can become overwhelming. Also, when guests visit, they are on vacation, but you may not necessarily be. It is important to let friends and families understand this, otherwise prepare for unexpected meals outs and other activities.

Owning a Vacation Home can be, and is for most, a wonderful experience. Those who truly enjoy them, usually have to go thru an adjustment cycle. First the euphoria phase, followed by a frustration and exhaustion phase, and finally the true enjoyment stage. The enjoyment phase occurs when one has developed a balance between the pros of owning a vacation home and the other responsibilities of their lives.

Mark J. Donovan
me_donovan @ comcast .net

http://www.homeadditionplus.com
http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

Over the past 20+ years I have been involved with Building homes and additions to homes. I have completed many projects that have included: building a Vacation Home, Family Room Additions, and a Garage. I have also finished the upstairs on unfinished homes. My formal education and Profession has been as an Electrical Engineer and Marketing Manager.

Is a Vacation Home Right for You?

If you are thinking about buying a second home, you are not alone. A 1995 survey by the American Resort Development Association found that 60 percent of households surveyed feel they have a likely chance of purchasing a recreational property in the next ten years, a figure that rose 30% from the survey in 1990. The average age for the majority of vacation home buyers ranges from 40-50 years old. Qualifying as the baby boomer generation, this group of second home buyers consists of 80.5 million people out of the U.S. population of more than 260 million. Demand for vacation homes is rising as a result of consumers’ increasing desire to capitalize on low interest rates, low unemployment rates and a strong real estate market offering many viable second home options.

When purchasing a second home, many baby boomers seek properties that offer access to recreational areas as well as amenities ideal for retirement living. Finding a fully functional dual purpose second home requires meeting a number of physical and emotional characteristics. A trained real estate professional can help you identify your short and long term needs as well as a home that provides the qualities you require.

When choosing the ideal vacation/retirement community, look for services and features which reduce the stress of owning a second home. Furthermore, finding a home with one floor living or limited stairs will be preferable as you age and as your home evolves from a recreational home to a permanent residence. For example, free standing homes require a lot of upkeep, so properties that include gardening services or rubbish removal such as condominiums or gated communities with town houses are an option worth investigating.

Once you and your broker have identified a second home, the following are tips to protect your second home investment:

• Develop a trustworthy contact who lives near your new home, either a neighbor or a paid caretaker, to keep an eye on the property and collect mail that accumulates. Make sure this person has all of the necessary information to contact you.

• To make the home appear to be fully occupied, ask your caretaker to park occasionally in your driveway. Timers are good for keeping lights on, but their schedule should be varied regularly.

• Set up an answering machine. Change the message occasionally and check the messages often.

• Make sure all doors and windows are locked and secure. Consider installing an alarm to protect your home when you are not there and to serve you when you live there in the future. A quality security system can be purchased through a reputable company.

• Remove all keys hidden around the property.

• Enjoy the time spent in your new second home, for vacation, recreation and ultimately for fulfilling retirement living.

I would be pleased to give you additional information about identifying both an area and home ideal for your fulfilling your second home needs.

About The Author

W. Troy Swezey is the author of "How to Prepare Yourself for Owning a Dual Purpose Second Home.” As a Realtor at Century 21 Paul & Associates, he has helped many individuals with their real estate needs. Visit his web site to download his free e-book, "REAL ESTATE SECRETS EXPOSED." http://www.TroyIsMyRealtor.com” target=”_new or TroyC21 @ usa .net

How to Prepare Yourself for Owning a Dual Purpose Second Home

Whether it’s a lakefront cottage or a log cabin in the woods, a vacation home often seems to be a dream that only the wealthy can afford. But these days, you don’t have to be a millionaire to own one.

A nationwide survey shows the median household income of second-home owners is $46,500. With today’s continued low interest rates, the tax advantages a second home can bring, and a wide selection of areas experiencing solid home price appreciation, this is an excellent time to consider purchasing a second home as an investment – and a great getaway place.

When searching for your second home, remember to investigate the area thoroughly. Ask a Realtor

Second homes in favourite holiday destinations such as Spain are likely to be top of the shopping list when the pension rules change April 6th 2006, allowing individuals to invest in residential property through Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs).

Research shows that Spain’s mature market makes an excellent choice for SIPP investors, with capital growth still high and forecast to grow at 10% a year for the next five years at least. Year-round sunshine and the high numbers of world-class golf course developments makes 30 weeks or more annual rental a realistic goal, with potential gross yields of 10% plus. This rental income would be immediately reinvested back into the SIPP and used to pay off any mortgage.

Off-plan purchases at discounted rates still offer the best opportunity to maximise profits. It is possible to buy off-plan today and then assign the contract to the pension after the rule changes, as long as the completion date is after April 6th 2006.

SIPP investors will benefit from full UK income tax relief on the purchase price of the property, before going on to collect rental income tax-free in the pension fund. Any profits made from the sale of the property will also be free from UK capital gains tax but may incur Spanish tax – however, there are ways to reduce this to 15% of the gain. What’s more, the pension fund will be able to borrow to invest, so buyers will be able to gain access to holiday homes that would have otherwise been out of their reach.

So, for example, if you are a 40 per cent taxpayer, this means that the government will be paying 40 per cent of the price of your house. That’s a pretty good deal. Secondly, generally the income and capital gains generated by the property will also be tax free in the UK. That, also is a pretty good deal.

Southern Spain, with its abundance of world-class golf resorts, makes an excellent choice for SIPP investors who are looking to pay off a mortgage with rental income.

Marcel Van Dijk
http://www.montesdemalaga.com/

Spain Excellent Choice for British SIPP Investors

Aloha! If you are interested in choosing a Maui incomeproperty, then there are some details that you should know.You might be a bit intimidated by the whole process ofbuying a home. This article will offer tips to those thatare thinking of investing in Maui income properties.

First of all, you should find an agent that you like. Ifyou are not sure about an agent, just keep looking throughthe computer system, or actively drive to one that looksgood. Always give extensive feedback to your agent aboutwhat you like and don’t like. Working closely with youragent will give you a better feel for the market. Youragent will handle all negotiations.

Second, a real estate agent will give you expert localadvice on schools, communities and local economy. Maui isthe second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, with greatsnorkeling beaches and constant sunshine. Maui continues togrow as more and more people discover its allure and decideto live there. There are many benefits for those wishing tomake a profit from buying a Maui property.

Third, if you are going to buy Maui income properties, thenmarket conditions will play a crucial role in determiningthe asking price. It is important that you get solid advicefrom an agent that is an expert in your specific area. Theagent will know how houses are selling in your chosen area.Other factors need to be taken into account when choosingyour property; for example a nearby commercial developmentmay create congestion and noise, but it might also attractpeople who will be working in the new offices. Economicconditions have a strong effect on the real estate market.An agent will help you weigh up all the options.

Forth, an agent will save you from wasting unnecessary timelooking for property. The agent will make it his or herbusiness to be aware of every local home or property on themarket. Some agents will also know of property that has yetto be formally placed on the market.

Fifth, the next step is to make a list of features that youare looking for in the home. For example, if you arethinking about renting your Maui property to tenants, howmany bedrooms do you want?

Sixth, be aware of the costs associated with closing on thepurchase of a property. There are inspection fees, mortgagecharges, as well as property taxes.

And finally, the real estate business is very paper intensive, sobe prepared to deal with this. Again it is worthhighlighting that a good real estate agent will help youwith this, and reduce the paperwork for you. The benefitsof working with an agent are very clear: they will help youbuy or sell your home as quickly and as easily as possible.

These are just a few points to consider before buying Mauiincome properties. Hopefully after reading this article youwill be better prepared to make a profit from your Mauihome. Remember; a good agent can improve your chances ofgetting the best possible deal.

Charles & Susan Truett are the website owners of MauiRealtors Online. For a comprehensive list of Maui incomeproperties, visit:http://maui-realtors-online.partnersinsuccess.net/

Seven Tips in Choosing Maui Income Properties

You’d like to buy a vacation home, but you’re not sure where to begin. Perhaps the single most important point to determine up front is why you are buying a vacation home. Are you trying to generate income by renting the property? Would you like to have a place to take your family every year that will likely appreciate in value? Would you prefer some flexibility in location and like to vacation at a different spot each year?

Once you determine your needs in a vacation home, it is wise to understand some of the options available to you in buying a second home. Probably the most straight-forward is to consider purchasing a home outright. If you can’t afford the full price of homes in the area you desire, there are still a couple of options available for you. One is to consider purchasing a home with friends or family, while another is to look into timesharing. All these options have nuances to consider in relation to your needs and means.

By purchasing the home yourself, you have the most control over the property and can capture all of the gains and benefits associated with owning real property. You may also be able to offset some of your expenses by renting out the home in peak seasons. Be sure to investigate federal income tax laws so you can make the most of any potential tax breaks. Also ask about zoning, covenants, land use in areas surrounding your property, and property management fees. In some areas these restrictions may prevent you to use your property as you wish. Additionally, be prepared to pay as much as 25% of your rental income in property management fees for weekly rentals.

If you decide to purchase a home with friends or family, make sure to put the agreement and all terms in writing. You may want to do most of this in advance as many homes go quickly and it will help target your search to the right kinds of homes. You may also want to consider homes with features that allow all the owners to be at the home at once (multiple masters, separate living spaces, etc). Again, the questions and concerns above should be considered.

If all this is too complicated, inflexible or expensive and you’ve come to the conclusion that timesharing is right for you, be aware that a timeshare purchase is not an investment. Most units depreciate over time and the resale market is tricky to navigate. If you are buying with a resort developer, make sure they are financially stable. Also be sure to find out what they offer for buying through them as opposed to the resale market. At times, the resale market will offer the same unit and season at a fraction of the price the developer is offering. You’d also be wise to arrange for your financing in advance, as developer financing is usually offered at above market rates.

Lastly, don’t buy on a whim. You didn’t buy your primary residence that way, and you shouldn’t buy a second home without due diligence. Research the location. Make sure the area has the amenities and recreation you desire, allows you to use the property as you wish, and is within your budget.

Reid Colson is a Principal in Bridlewood, a custom home builder serving the Central Virginia market. Bridlewood builds custom homes and vacation getaways for discriminating buyers. They are committed to providing the highest levels of professional service and consistent communication throughout the design and building process.

Visit http://www.bridlewoodproperties.com for more information.

Buying a Vacation Home